Aid to swimmers



May 28; 1943 M. GRABovsKY l i 2,401,239 A AID TO SWIMMERS.

Filed May s; 1944 24 INVENToR.

MAX GRAB ovsn Y ATTORNEY Patented Mayzs, 1946 UNI-reo STATES PATENT OFFICE l 2,401,239 Y A11) To swnmymns i Max Grabovsky, Brooklyn, N. Application May s, 1944, serial No. 533,858

2 Claims.

This inventionrelates to an improved mechanical aid for swimmers, and one of its objects is to provide a device which may be attached to the foot and which will provide a relatively broad surface for aiding propulsion through the water, when given a rearward motion by the swimmer,

but which will fold against the foot when givenv a forward or retractive motion.

Another object of the invention isthe provision of a device of this character with a paddle of simple construction, and a wire attaching frame on which the paddle is pivotally supported to swing with the motion of the swimmers foot to either of its two positions, which can be easily secured to the foot of the swimmer.

A still further object is to provide such a de- 1 vice with means for restraining the paddle against swinging motion, when the swimmer is walking or at rest, which will not lock the paddle when the swimmer is swimming through the water. A

With the above and other objects in -view the invention consists in certain new and useful constructions, combinations, and arrangements of parts, clearly described in the following specification, and fully illustrated in the drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a top plan View, showing the paddle in open position.

Fig. 2 is a bottom plan View, showing the paddle in folded position, with parts of the frame broken away.

Fig. 3 is an end view of the frame and paddle, showing the latter in open position, with the sole ofA a sandal or slipper shown in section.

Fig. 4 is a detail plan view of the paddle, sepa-` rated from its frame,

Fig. 5 is a detail end View of the paddle and its latch, with a portion shown in section.

Fig. 6 is a detail cross sectional view through the sandal or slipper, showing the method of connection with the frame.

Referring to the drawing, which illustrates one form of the invention,V 5 designates a sandal or slipper sole, 6 its heel piece, and 'I its toe cap. The bottom of the sole is formed with two transverse grooves 5a and 5b, spaced longitudinally from each other, and in parallel relation.

To the sandal or slipper a frame 8 is attached, by means of its bottom cross bars 9 and III, and the staples or fasteners II, which are forced through the sole and clinched against the inner side, and the cross bars 9 and III are located in the bottom grooves 5a and 5b, so that they will not project from the bottom of the sole.

`The cross bar 9 is connected with the riser 0I upright I2, which is formed with a lateral eye I3, and the cross bar Ill is connected with a similar riser or upright I4, which is formed with a lateral eye I5, disposed in the same plane as the eye I3. From the eyes I3 and I5 a, U-shaped frame I6 extends, and this frame includes a downwardly inclined portion I1 and a horizontal portion I8, which includes the horizontal bar Ia. Short bars I9 co-nnectthe lateral eyes with the inclined bars of the portion I'I. ,I

The sole of the sandal or slipper is confined between the uprights I2 and I4 and the uprights I2@ and Ia, located on the ends of the cross bars 9 and I0, and the uprights I2a and I4a are formed with terminal eyes I2b and Mb.

The sandal or slipper and the metal or wire frame and its freely swinging sandal are attached to the swimmers foot by means of cords or shoe laces extended through the eyes I3 and |317, and I5 and I4b. These laces do not form a part of the invention and are not shown.

The paddle 2D is made of wood or other suit- `able material, and includes the main section 20a,

and the oifset or hinge section 20h, shorter in length than the main section, and adapted to freely swing betweenthe uprights I2 and I4. In order to support the paddle for free swinging motion between the uprights, the latter are formed with hinge eyes 2| which receive the hinge pins 22, the inner ends of which are driven or otherwise secured in the ends of the central offset section 20h, and outer ends of which are provided with heads 22a.

vThe normal rear face of the paddle is formed concave at 20c, so as to have a better elfect on the water, and in its forward position the paddle engages the cross bar I8a of the wire or metal frame, and is thereby prevented from further forward movement.

In swimming the user will project his or her leg rearwardly to impart forward motion in the water to the body, and as this is done the paddle will be forced to an open or extended position, to increase the area of the surface offered by the foot of the swimmer in thrusting against the water, and thereby increases the eifect of the forward swimming effort. When the foot is moved forwardly the paddle will fold against the side of the foot, thereby diminishing its resistance to the water.

In order to restrain the paddle against swinging movement when the user is walking, or at rest, I provide a latch 23, which is provided with an arm 23 adapted to overlie the cross bar I8a,

as shown in Fig. 5, and this latch is retained in position by means of the screw 24, which is threaded into the wood. By swinging the Varm 23 over the cross bar the paddle is retained. in open position against swinging, and by swinging the arm to opposite position the paddle will be free to swing, without danger of being accidentally locked in place.

It will thus be seen that there is provided a device in which the several objects of this invention are achieved, and which is well adapted to meet the conditions of practical use.

As various possible embodiments might be made of the above invention, and as Various changes might be made in the embodiment above set forth, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forthr or shown in the accompanying drawing is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Having described my invention I claim as new:V

l. An aid vto swimmers consisting of a Wire part providing a cross bar, said frame supporting bars being alsoV formed with hinge eyes, a paddle having a, central offset section hinged to the eyes to freely swing between the eyes and engage the cross bar, and a latch pivoted to the paddle and adapted` ton engage the cross bar to prevent free swinging movement.

`MAX GRABOVSKY. 

